Tiamzon couple's pre-trial hearing postponed

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – The pre-trial hearing of alleged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito and Wilma was postponed after the couple filed two motions before the court.

The Tiamzons are facing serious illegal detention and kidnapping charges.

The couple filed a motion to set aside arraignment and a motion to dismiss the case before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81.

The Tiamzon couple said the kidnapping and detention charges should have been included in the rebellion case filed against them which the Supreme Court already dismissed. They said the acts were carried out in aid of rebellion.

The hearing has been reset to July 21.

The military said Benito, 63, is the chairman of the CPP and head of its central executive committee.

On the other hand, Wilma, 61, served as the CPP secretary-general and member of the central executive committee. She was also CPP's finance officer.– report from Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News